Dappled sunlight dances across our table, bouncing off our cutlery and strobing in our frosted glasses of beer as a welcome breeze bothers the leaves of the ancient pepper trees above. It’s one of those own-the-moment carefree lazy Sunday afternoons where impromptu catch-ups with friends over a few beers in the sun forge on into the early – and then late – evening.The sun-drenched courtyard of Heathcote institution Valley Inn Tavern is humming with the casual, laidback vibe that, try as many might, cannot be contrived; you’re equally as likely to find yourself rubbing shoulders with the silver-haired Harley riding set, long since moved-away former locals returning to the watering hole of their youth, or occasionally, the Crusaders.Dating back to 1877 and re-calibrated/reborn under husband and wife team Dean and Genaea Calvert following the earthquakes, the Tavern maintains roots with its strong history by way of its time-tunnel type restaurant entrance...